Boko Haram plan to plant bombs inside fuel tankers – FG

Insurgents plan to hijack fuel tankers, plant bombs inside them and drive them to crowded places in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the Federal Government has said.

Chairman of the National Information Centre on the war against terrorism, Mr. Mike Omeri, said this this at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

Omeri who briefed the press alongside Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade and Deputy Director, Public Relations, Department of State Security Services, Marylyn Ogar, also disclosed that none of the suspected insurgents intercepted in Abia State on Monday had up to N1000 on them.

He said, “The Nigerian security services have received intelligence report to the effect that insurgents intend seizing petrol tankers and plant Improvised Explosive Devices in the tankers and drive them to crowded places in Abuja.

“Against this backdrop, we hereby call on the Petrol Tankers Association to be on the red alert and advise their members to report any attempt or seizure of their vehicles to security agencies.

“In this wise, Nigerians are also advised to report any broken down tanker in any part of the territory to security agencies. Similarly, we are using this opportunity to appeal to the public to be on the alert particularly when they see any tanker driving dangerously.”

Omeri who heads the National Orientation Agency also disclosed that the alleged terror kingpin that had been identified among the travellers intercepted in Abia State had been on security wanted list since 2007.

He said, “It must be made clear and understood that the exercise was not targeted at any group of persons or individuals, but aimed at general security of the country.

“During the process of interrogation, the main kingpin who has been profiled by DSS in 2007 and has been on the watch list was identified which led to further questioning of the large movement of persons travelling in a convoy of over 30 buses with none of the travellers having up to N1000 on them.

“Clearly, their mission was suspicious and had to be thoroughly investigated. We therefore appeal for the understanding of the public in allowing our security agencies to carry out their legitimate duties.”

Omeri said the abductors of the two sisters that were released on Tuesday in Abuja were being subjected to further investigation.